Styled for success

Is a person’s name the most important aspect about themselves, or is it the place where they were born, the mountain ranges that hug the townsfolk closer together, the rivers that snake their way over the land, and where a community comes together like family? Most would agree that the second statement holds far more merit. It is this poignant reflection of self and what makes you ‘you’ that Michelle Bradley, owner, and fashion stylist of MB Style, is keen to share on a recent podcast hosted by Catherine van der Meulen, director of Entrepreneurial Women with Purpose.

Words: Megan Smith

“If I had to describe myself, I would say I was a woman, wife, mother, and grandmother. We, as women, often have many roles to play. It is hard to decipher who we are outside of these categories. One thing I am proud of and that holds significance is that culturally, and as a Māori, a pepeha is a way to introduce ourselves. It allows us to highlight our ancestors, lineage, maunga, awa, iwi, and marae. Your roots and where you are from form part of who you are and allow those to identify and connect with you.” This holistic, fundamental surety of self is touted as one of the reasons for Michelle’s many triumphs. “Success and what it means to me has always changed, depending on the phases of my life. During my pre-teens, I wanted to find a prince charming, get married, and build a home!” Michelle chuckles. “Being an air hostess or pop star also featured at the top of my list! It is common to look at life with blinkers on with the knowledge you had then. I was a young mother, which meant that by my twenties, being secure financially and having a safe home environment was at the heart of my being. I wanted to ensure that my kids were mentally and physically healthy, with a robust, good, old-fashioned Kiwi upbringing. Only when I entered my thirties, I began to navigate towards who I was and away from the established stay-at-home mum role. My husband and I have been together for 47 years. He has always encouraged me to follow my dreams. We all did a lot of growing up and learning together. My greatest gift is being a mother to four children, gran to thirteen mokopuna, and great gran to another three children. Raising kids has shown me that we are unique and what unconditional love is.”

When Michelle was nine, she relocated with her family to Picton. After school, she became a seamstress for Marlborough Lingerie, located on George Street. After Michelle pursued her studies to become a personal stylist, she had no doubt about starting her own business. Fashion has been a lifelong passion, influenced by the style her gran and mother possessed. Roles within retail further refined her skill. Michelle is keen to highlight fashion’s power over an individual and how it can make you feel. She applauds local kiwi designers, such as Kiri Nathan, who show their creative prowess by incorporating Māori aesthetics into their creations, resulting in stunning pieces. Currently, I’m doing some styling for Paula Ryan, a New Zealand label I adore and am privileged to be working with.” Michelle has paved the way for people to regain confidence and feel empowered. “I am privileged to work with such beautiful people. I see my role as already being supplied with a complete parcel, only adding the wrapping and final touches to enhance the gift of who that person is. From a styling point of view, sharing in a person’s ‘awakening’ through style makes for a euphoric experience. I emphasise what works for a person and that important kanohi ki te kanohi (face-to-face) meeting. Ultimately you need to care about the client. It’s not about making a sale but ensuring that person feels emboldened!” There is no slowing down for Michelle, who, apart from running MB Style, arranges stunning fashion styling within the Marlborough Magazine plus helps as a manager of Hotel d’Urville. “As I embrace my sixties, I can honestly say it is still a work in progress, and there are times that I think to myself, ‘what the heck are you doing?’ We are all human beings. Regardless of our diversity, we can all bring something incredible to the table without the expectation of having to be a certain way. This brings me back to the Māori foundations, which I apply to my life in business and in a personal capacity, which is to practice tika (to be true), pono (to value yourself), and aroha (love). Anyone can use these three pillars as a touchstone or foundation to build on. There is so much to learn from those around us!”

Learn more about Michelle Bradley and other entrepreneurial women via Catherine van der Meulen’s ‘Entrepreneurial Women with Purpose Podcast.’ entrepreneurialwomenwithpurpose.com

Photo: David James Styled by: Michelle Bradley Clothing: Thomas's

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